Dover, DE — JL Cruze returned to his winning ways with a 1:55 score in Tuesday night’s (Jan. 3) $18,000 Winners Over/Select Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover.

Art Stafford Jr. was on a mission with the 12-year-old Crazed gelding from the start, and the pair rocketed from the gate to secure the pocket behind Northern Express before rushing to the lead past the :26.3 quarter. Under a full head of steam, JL Cruze passed the half before facing a challenge from Embrace The Grind at three-quarters in 1:24.4. Sent the 5-2 public choice, JL Cruze did not disappoint, dominating to win by two lengths for trainer Eric Ell and owners Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar Jr. and Stephen Iaquinta.

JL Cruze quarter-moved to control and never looked back in Tuesday’s trotting feature at Bally’s Dover. Fotowon photo.

Northern Express (driven by Russell Foster) finished second; Embrace The Grind (Montrell Teague) was third.

Stafford and Foster earned three driving wins apiece on the 14-race card.

Majorca N takes on Incaseyoudidntknow in the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (Jan. 4). First post is 4:30 p.m.